Measuring Our Lives

When you put on your uniform, do you demonstrate the well-disciplined service and leadership it represents?

Military life abounds with performance measurements; so many things you do, or ask others to do, become analysis points for your superiors. Much of that measurement rests upon time-tested standards and timeless wisdom.

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

“But ‘he who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’ For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends,” (2 Corinthians 10:12-18, NKJV).

Christians also need ways to measure themselves, with the goal of accurately identifying God’s goals and His standard of performance. God’s Word helps us gauge our progress toward becoming mature and effective. In this passage, Paul pointed the Corinthians to God’s standard and warned against a prideful, self-satisfied approach to personal evaluation. Paul’s intent in this epistle was to counter false teachers. These teachers arrogantly believed their own wisdom was the final measure for everything.

God’s commendation of your life is the most valuable and satisfying of all

Each of us are unique. God created us with distinct abilities to serve Him and others. Paul saw much of his own success embodied in the Corinthians who had accepted the gospel through his ministry. And he had his eyes set on new regions where he could be effective for God. For Paul, the only real pursuit of personal glory was to “glory in the Lord.”

God’s commendation of your life is the most valuable and satisfying of all. Much of God’s approval will rest upon your service to others that He has placed in your path.